Foreign residents will be allowed to renew, extend or change visas online

Foreign residents in Japan is aware of the tedious process of applying for visa in Japan. They have to fill in multiple forms, collect documents from Citi office and other government offices and then bring it to immigration office and be in the queue for countless hours. Nikkei reports that starting in April 2021, Japan’s foreign residents will be able to apply to change, extend or renew their visas online via computer or smartphone. Though details of the new system have yet to be confirmed, the Justice Ministry has put aside a budget of ¥1.25 billion to fund the upgrade. The ministry's move is also aimed at reducing waiting lines at bureaus' reception counters and preventing infections with the new coronavirus.

To confirm their identification, applicants will be required to enter their residence card number and take additional steps to prevent fraudulent applications, though details have yet to be determined.

The ministry also envisions a new system requiring applicants to provide electronic forms of documents showing that they meet the conditions of the residency status they apply for, such as employment contracts or official documents showing marital relationship with a Japanese citizen.

Read more at Nikkei News post